Noob question: Adding new ordinate dimensions to existing baseline

I've created ordinate dimensions using horizontal and vertical ordinate tool in drawing mode. The first click sets zero and I pick a few dimensions to add ordinate dimensions based on that zero. Now, I have added features after the fact and need to add more ordinate dimensions using the existing baseline, but when I click on the tools it wants to make a new zero point.

I tried the RMB on any existing ordinate dimension in any group and pick "Add to Ordinate" then selected the geometry I am trying to dimension to. And I get a message to the effect of, the geometry I selected is the wrong direction for current ordinate group.

See the attached screen shot.

I believe I tried every concievable combination of picks etc. but keep getting denied with this warning.

When you first RMB on an entity of the ordinate group to select "Add to ordinate" it should turn blue, but after that I don't know of any way to determine what group is active. It may be simplest to delete that set and re-insert them.

I'm glad you got it to work. From what you said, it sounds like the line you started from (the zero leader) is not parallel to the other centerline. Have you activated the Smart Dimension tool and then clicked on each line? If they're parallel it will give a linear dimension, and if not you'll get an angle dimension.

Right-clicking and choosing "Add to Ordinate" works in Part sketches just like it does in Drawing dimensions. If you aren't getting this option you may need to click on the double arrows at the bottom of the drop-down list and choose "Customize", then select it.